Toyota Prius v to Start at $27,160, Prius Plug-in to Cost $32,760

Toyota has already released details and images of the two newest additions to the Prius family of hybrids, but it has just announced how much money it will take to score one of your very own: $27,160 for the v hatchback and $32,760 for the Prius Plug-in sedan.

The base Prius v, the so-called Two model, comes standard with a 6.1-inch LCD screen for the infotainment system and standard backup camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Smart Key keyless entry system. From there, buyers can upgrade their Prius v cars to the Three model, which adds GPS navigation and Toyota’s new Entune voice-activated, smartphone-linked infotainment, system. Three-level Prius v hybrids sticker at $27,925. Want more? Step up to the Prius v Five, which adds leatherette seating and front seat heaters, larger alloy wheels, and LED headlights, and a window sticker amounting to a $30,750. This puts the Prius v’s price about $2000 to $2500 ahead of the equivalent Prius sedan. Along with additional interior space, buyers should expect slightly lower fuel economy numbers: the v attains an EPA rating 42 mpg combined, about 8 mpg less than its smaller sibling.The new 2012 Prius Plug-in will start at $32,760, which is roughly $8000 more than a base Prius sedan. For that money, however, Prius Plug-in customers receive many more standard features, including heated front seats, Entune infotainment, LED daytime running lights, an enhanced keyless entry system, and remote air conditioning, which allows the driver to start the car’s air conditioner while the car is still off. Further, the Plug-in Prius can travel 15 miles on electricity alone.

Buyers seeking additional content can spring for the $40,285 Advance trim, which tosses features like GPS navigation and a premium sound system, remote smartphone control of some of the car’s features, a head-up display, radar-guided cruise control, and leatherette seating.Toyota expects, however, that both Plug-in models will qualify for a federal tax credit of about $2500. It also expects that Plug-in drivers will save even more at the pump: the Plug-in model achieves the equivalent of 87 mpg.

Yes, that's true. My brother-in-law has had his Prius for almost ten years and the batteries are still working perfectly. I guess for the price of lesser technology, the cost of the Prius V will be less for Americans, too. I just wish they gave us a choice like they do others.

Toyota made the changes---for the rest of the world. Toyota is already using the modern batteries throughout the world, but only in their plug-in version here. The U.S. isn't a guinea pig...they've been tested long before the advanced countries got them. After all, why do you think EVERY other manufacturer uses them...check out the Volt and Leaf...they use the batteries you say are not tested. Better tell GM and Nissan. Oh, in Japan you can get these old battery packs in your Prius V...but not too many people are taking them. Hmm.

If nickel metal hydride batteries were less expensive to produce and just about as efficient with energy storage we wouldn't be using lithium batteries at all. Economies of scale may as well be less relevant as they will now be putting lithium batteries in the plug in unit - and they are using lithium because it is more efficient energy storage. They are using Nickel batteries because they can use the already developed system in the V which is cheaper in terms of development and production. They just want a low price point. Lithium batteries would have raised that. I'm still curious how the V will perform fully occupied. Braking from 70 mph, 0-60, emergency lane change, mpg. That should be...entertaining.

Toyota has also stated there are many reasons why they don't need a 3-row Prius V here, or one with Lithium batteries.
1. The 3rd row would be too small for Americans. It didn't go over big with the Rav4, and they are similar in size.
2. Toyota is reticent to get away from Nickel batteries for many reasons. They have proven particularly reliable. Less expensive to produce. More stable in energy storage. Just about as efficient in energy storage.
3. Toyota likes to test newer technologies overseas, then bring what works to America after it has been refined and tested in the real world. Do you want to be a guinea pig?
4. Toyota is already leading the hybrid world as is, so they can take extra time with newer technologies. Nobody else is fielding a 40+ MPG CUV now, or in the near future.
5. Economies of scale. The more nickel batteries they can produce, ship, and use, the lower the costs associated with such large volumes. First you get to the point where you are making 3-400k hybrids a year, that are accepted, successful, and are being built reliably. Then worry about what type of battery they use.
What's important is to have as few problems as possible with this new type of vehicle. That will speed acceptance more than any small boost a new type of battery will provide.
If Lithium was all that, Toyota would've made the change by now.
BD

Prius Advance was covered in the article pretty thoroughly.....
Regarding the power supply, the car comes with a 110V adapter, but the 240V will be available for $995. 90 minutes with 240V. 3 hours with the 110V.
BD

Another thought - is the recharge in 90 minutes using a fast charge option using 220? Something I don't expect to be readily available outside of ones special installation in the garage at home. Or is it 110 volt?

Its brakes....and anyway that isn't something unique to this car - found on nearly ever hybrid that ever existed. If the Plug in will have much more standard equipment than the regular Prius - what is the other 7k plus in available options?

Motor Trend conveniently forgot to mention that this Prius V is not the real Prius V more deserving nations get (according to Toyota). We're getting an ancient system with Toyota's oldest technology. Other countries are going to get the modern Prius V, three row seating with fast-charging lithium-ion batteries (like the Leaf and Volt and the Prius plug-in). Americans can only get two-row seating because the old batteries Toyota uses (nickel-metal hydride) are so bulky. Toyota says it is cheaper to make and ship its old tech batteries because the U.S. is its largest market. Huh? Anyways, auto writers in Europe say Europeans would not accept the so-called Prius V that the U.S. is getting. Guess Americans don't know, or don't care. Too bad.

PLUS it will have a government rebate not available on the standard Prius ($2500 nationally, plus and additional $3k in CA)
The PLug-In is based on the Prius with Equipment Level V, price approx. $28k
So after rebates, if you are in CA, it would be LESS than the standard Prius
BD

Every time it breaks, it will help recharge the battery, and it can be recharged within 90 minutes.
The car will use electric power whenever the battery has energy available.
The Plug-In will have much more standard equipment than the base Prius, so the premium is more like $4-5k over a comparable Prius Hatchback.
BD

I wonder what happens when you full load a Prius V - tiny motor, tiny tires and suspension, tiny brakes. I'm not sure 15 miles on electricity is worth the trouble of plugging it in. I hope you have a plug in at your very near by destination if you want to make the most of that $8000 dollar premium you paid to barely go anywhere on electric.